Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. and Vellsam Materias Bioactivas, a top producer of biotechnological solutions, have announced a partnership. This collaboration aims to explore the potential of maximising the use of Fresh Del Monte's pineapple residues through the production of biofertilisers. The partnership, operating under the name De l'Ora Bio, is marking this collaboration with the inauguration of a fertiliser plant in Kenya, the first step in their bio fertiliser production venture.

The new fertiliser plant is near Fresh Del Monte's subsidiary in Kenya, Del Monte Kenya Ltd. The plant will utilise residues from the company's pineapple cannery to produce various biofertilisers for its use and sale to other growers in Kenya and East African countries.

Biofertilisers are natural fertilisers that use microbes to enhance plant growth. They increase the supply of essential nutrients to the plants, improve soil texture and plant yield, and offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional fertilisers.

According to Precedence Research, the global biofertiliser market will expand to around USD 9.14 billion by 2032. This growth is expected to be steady due to increasing awareness about sustainable agriculture practices, rising demand for organic food products, and government initiatives promoting the use of biofertilisers.

The new plant is undergoing tests and is expected to be fully operational in June. Del Monte Kenya, the country's largest exporter, employs 6,500 Kenyan workers. With the opening of this plant, the company can further support the local economy and work towards expanding its footprint and impact in the region.

Together, through D l'Ora, the newly formed biofertiliser company, Fresh Del Monte, and Almeria-based Vellsam aim to maximise residue utilisation, enhance soil fertility, and meet the growing demand from consumers for nutritious, sustainably grown produce.